Which term describes hearing impairment that affects both sides?

The term that describes hearing impairment affecting both sides is "bilateral." Bilateral hearing loss means that there is a reduction in hearing ability in both ears. It can impact sound localization, understanding speech in noisy environments, and overall communication.

In contrast, "unilateral" refers to hearing impairment that affects only one ear, which can present unique challenges for individuals, such as difficulties in determining the direction of sounds. "Agnostic" does not pertain to hearing impairment but instead relates to uncertainty regarding knowledge or belief, typically used in a philosophical context. "Symmetric" generally describes conditions where the degree of impairment is similar in both ears, but it does not specify whether there is impairment at all, which makes it less precise in the context of defining hearing impairment.

Thus, "bilateral" is the most appropriate term as it directly indicates that the hearing issue is present in both ears.